479 The Optative with ἄν (666) expresses what would be in a supposed case, or in any case likely to occur. (Hypothtical Optative; cp. the hypothetical indicative, 461, 467.)

The time is not defined, except by the context, but is commonly future, often present, rarely past. Often the statement or question is universal as regards time, applying to past, present, and future alike:

Ἐγὼ ὀκνοίην ἄν εἰς τὰ πλοῖα ἐμβαίνειν I should hesitate mysef to go aboard the boats. AN. I. 3, 17. ἔνθα πολλὴν σωφροσύνην καταμάθοι ἄν τις there one would learn (at any time) much self-control. AN. I. 9, 3. πρὸς βίᾱν δʼ οὐκ ἂν λάβοις and by force you would never take him. S. P. 108. οὐδὲ μὲν γὰρ οὐδὲν ἂν βλάψειεν· οὐδὲ γὰρ ἂν δύναιτο for he would not injure me a particle; he would not even be able to (in any circumstances). AP. 30 c.